It Ain't Easy Being in the Greenhouse
I don’t have much time this week, so my reflections on
Frosty will be brief.
What I see is this.
Frosty was white as snow…or, um, WAS snow.
If you want to remain as white as snow, stay out of the heat
of sin.
Isaiah 1:18
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
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Miracles follow obedience
“Happy birthday!” newness celebrates.
“That hat must have brought Frosty to life!” they say
Naysayer Professor snatches hopes, “Not yours!” says he.
“You saw it happen!” they exclaim.
“I saw nothing of the kind” his words deny.
“You silly children believe everything you see”, doubt
planted by the twisted magician.
But the children know. They know what they saw. They know
what they heard. Their faith unwavering.
Have you ever had a dream? A hope? A desire? A wish? Have you
ever felt a calling on your life? A
nudge? A push? An unquenchable fire? Have you ever felt God move, stir, speak
to your heart? Did it sound unbelievable
and scary and exciting all at the same time?
Have you ever pursued what you felt God placed in your path
only to encounter naysayers and twisters of thoughts, dreams, words? Was your
faith put to the test? Can you really trust what you heard? Especially when all
is again silent?
“Did God really say?” (Gen 3:1)
“Are you really chosen?” (Mt 4: 1-11)
“There is no way you will ever succeed.” (Heb 11:6)
I do know an adult heart, which has experienced the disappointments
of life, can become jaded, calloused and hard. It often takes a painful chisel
in the hand of the Masterful Craftsman to chip away and reveal the hidden deep.
It is usually when we see what work He has done that we begin to have childlike
faith and believe in the life He has purposed us to live.
Naysayers will come in quiet criticism of inner voices, of
well meaning friends, and doubting family. But if God has spoken to you,
proclaimed “Happy Birthday!” and directed your path to pursue your dream in the
life He has designed for you…then grab hold and never let go!
Even when God turns silent and you are seeing no fruit, go
back to the last thing you heard Him say and press on. He will never leave you
nor forsake you. (Dt 31:6)
Remember, miracles always happen on the other side of
obedience.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
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What hat are you wearing?
The most important part of snowman making might be debatable. I'm not sure where you land - Team Carrot Nose, Team Fuzzy Scarf, or Team Pipe in Mouth. If you want the piece de resistance, though - it's all about the hat. After all, in the tale of Frosty it was putting on the hat that brought life.
As we turn to classic tales this season in search of pearls of wisdom, I find this one begs the question -
What hat are you wearing?
And more importantly - is it bringing you life?
I think we could all agree that we wear many "hats" throughout our lives, and even during the span of one day. We play many roles. I find myself at the end of another year asking myself that question. Am I investing in things that bring me life? Some hats I have to wear - they are responsibilities. Others are roles I am blessed to play - sister, daughter, friend. But some hats I've just picked up - maybe cause I thought they looked cute or liked the idea of them. Frosty has me thinking it's time to organize my hat collection, if you know what I mean.
"Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the finest food.
Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life." Isaiah 55:2-3
Jesus, lead us to come to you and listen and "eat what is good". May we wear "hats" that draw us to You - and the life you died to give us. And may you show us "hats" we wear that do no satisfy or bear fruit. To you, Oh Lord, be all the glory!
Monday, December 09, 2013
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Childlike Jolly Happy Soul!
Oh what joy the first snow of the season brings to children
and the childlike! It’s all the better when we can build snowballs, snow forts
and of course the biggest snowman on the block. If you’re like most who have
seen the children’s classic Frosty the Snowman, you secretly wished your
snowman would come to life when you least expected it. Because that would be so
COOL!
Sorry, pun intended.
This week each of us will be dreaming of Frosty and
listening closely to the lessons we may learn from this lovable character of winters’
past, present and future generations.
Bundle up! I have a feeling we’re going on some fabulous
adventures!
Sunday, December 08, 2013
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